The stage is set for the semi-final of the FDH Bank Cup involving Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Mafco at Kamuzu Stadium this afternoon.
Wanderers and Mafco are familiar foes in domestic football.
At stake is a place in the final of the 2023 FDH Bank Cup.
The two sides are hoping to make their first ever appearance in the FDH Bank Cup since the tournament was introduced in 2021.
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Honestly, this will be a battle of two teams hungry for success this season.
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Wanderers will be looking to continue their dominance over the Salima-based soldiers in all competitions this season.
This will be the third meeting between the two teams but Wanderers claimed a double after beating Mafco 2-0 in the first round before a 1-0 victory in the second round.
Again, Wanderers and Mafco also met in the quarterfinals of the 2022 Airtel Top 8 but the Nomads won 4-0 on aggregate.
However, that is history as the hour has come for both sides to show their quality against each other.
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In all fairness, Wanderers have quality in abundance compared to Mafco but they lack fighting spirit in some matches.
On the other hand, the soldiers have great character and can beat any soccer force in domestic football.
Wanderers are heading into the match after a 1-1 stalemate against another military side Kamuzu Barracks on Wednesday whereas Mafco defeated Dedza Dynamos 2-0 in the league on Sunday.
Sounding calm and less intimidated, Nomads coach Mark Harrison believes his charges will come out victors in today’s match.
“In cup matches, form goes out of the window. We know they will want to intimidate us and put us under pressure will have to fight for it,” Harrison said.
In this afternoon’s tie, Harrison will have a selection headache as he has all the players apart from Mphatso Kamanga.
Goalkeeper William Thole will likely keep his place but he will have to decide who will partner Lawrence Chaziya at the back between Peter Cholopi and Miracle Gabeya. In midfield Wisdom Mpinganjira, Francisco Madinga, Felix Zulu, Francis Mkonda and Isaac Kaliati are also available.
Although recent past battles did not favour Mafco, coach Pritchard Mwansa is confident that he has assembled enough weapons to silence Wanderers.
“This is a new game and the best team will win. Pressure is on Wanderers,’’ Mwansa said.
Captain Paul Ndlovu will lead defence alongside Dan Chimbalanga and Aubrey Chafewa.
Stain Malata, Daniel Dauda and Yohane Malunga will be at the hub.
Mphatso Philimon and Peter Kasonga will likely lead the attack.
Wanderers booked a semi-final spot after beating Santhe Admarc 5-0 whereas Mafco defeated Bangwe All Stars 5-4 on post-match penalties after a goal-less stalemate in regulation time.
The winner between Wanderers and Mafco will face holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets or Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar in the final slated for October 7 at a venue yet to be announced.
Bullets and Dedza face-off in the second semi-final at Kamuzu Stadium next week Sunday.
FDH Bank increased sponsorship for the 2023 edition from K90 million to K120 million. That is not all, the prize money for the champions was also increased to K30 million from K25 million.
The bank’s senior marketing manager Ronald Chimchere said they are pleased with the competition to date.
“At this stage, we are curious to see who will make it to the final and take home the K25 million. Mukuru and Mafco will be an entertaining game and we encourage football fans and customers to come in large numbers and enjoy this classic encounter. We wish all the teams all the best as they prepare for this game.
“We also want to take this opportunity to thank stakeholders who made this tournament a success this far including Fam, media, referees and others,” Chimchere said.
